I'm waking up

I feel it in my bones

Enough to make my systems blow

Welcome to the New Age

Radioactive - Imagine Dragons

Durin's Day - 31st October 2941

"I am almost tempted to let you take it. If only to see Oakenshield suffer. Watch it... Destroy him, watch her corrupt his heart... and drive him mad!" Smaug gazed lazily at the Arkenstone that now lay just metres from Bilbo's feet.

Bilbo quickly straightened with a look of confusion washing over his features. "Her? Did you say her?" He spluttered looking from Smaug to the stone and back again.

Smaug drew his large head back with a menacing chuckle that echoed throughout the chamber, ignoring Bilbo's question he continued, "But I think not. I think our little game ends here."

Smaug began to draw himself further back as he raised his head, "So tell me Thief..." He spat venomously, "How do you choose to die?"

Smaug's chest glowed as he stated developing a deathly fire in his belly. He lunged forward towards Bilbo, mouth wide to ensure the last thing the hobbit would remember was razor teeth and hot breath,

Bilbo quickly put on the ring, disappearing into the shadows, just as Smaug snapped shut his jaws. Bilbo ducked and ran to the Arkenstone, scooping it up as he ran behind a stone pillar and up the stairs as the chamber became filled with Smaug's searing fire. Pulling the ring from his finger Bilbo breathed heavily against the wall, Arkenstone in hand. He was oblivious to the fact that the jewel was actually quite warm to the touch, something hummed and stirred in the stone. Something that felt almost... Alive.

Giving a quick glance back at chamber he just left before turning and running further up the stairs that lead to the where Balin had left him.

13th July 2941

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

As the thrush knocked the snail up against the outside of the dwarvan kingdom, the sound echoed through Erebor's halls, ricocheting down the corridors and caverns as it continued its journey through the mountain.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Further, and deeper it went as if seeking out something with vigorous purpose. The sound continued through the great dwarvish architecture until finally coming to rest in the treasury. More echos of the outside world joined together within the great hall of gold and jewels. The sounds danced around the room bouncing of off the cold walls of the mountain kingdom. And then all was quiet again, but it was too late.A low and deep growl erupted from an impressive pile of gold. Coins and gems started to stir, revealing blood red scales as the mountains beast awoke. Smaug the dragon stood proud in his golden hall. Unfurling his wings and stretching like a cat, he let another growl emanate from his throat.

Swinging his massive head, his sight glazed over his vast wealth. Upon catching a soft white glow from a pile of precious stones, a chuckle developed in the beasts mouth.

"Eerika...My pet...awake" Smaug spoke slow and deep.

From beneath the pile of jewels came movement. A small figure emerged from within the mound of treasure dressed in gown that looked to be made of starlight. Sapphires and diamonds rippled off of pure white hair that radiated light as a young woman came to stand with her head bowed. Eyes of ice blue shot open to look at the fire drake through behind white strands of hair. Slowly raising her head she greeted the dragon. "Good Morning...Master."

"Yes...pet...I feel as though it shall be" Smaug growled as he once again came to lay on the mounds of gold.

"Did you rest well O'Smaug the golden?" Eerika asked in a musical voice as she began her descent towards the dragon. Bits of gold and small trinkets flowed down, catching on her lengthy dress, as she stepped through the treasure.

"I believe so pet...60 years is a well enough rest for any creature" Smaug snorted, sending a rush of hot air over the young woman's face.

Stiffening as the dragons breath washed over her, she searched her mind for one of her many riddles as dragons are fascinated and do not tend to eat those who speak in riddles. Eerika's heart began to race, while she was Smaug's pet, he had told her what had become of previous pets that did not please him, and Eerika did not wish to upset the fire drake of the north.

"You must keep it after giving it" She said boldly and then shrinking back a little as Smaug raised his head to stand directly above her, he stared down at the young woman, his face unreadable.

A laugh then built in his chest and barked out. "My word" he answered "My pet...you have my word that no harm shall come to you so long as you are obedient" Smaug rested his head down on a hill of gold and added "and provide entertainment" The dragon closed his eyes and furrowed his brow in concentration.

Eerika let go of the breath that she didn't even realize she had been holding and again started toward the drake. Noticing the look of contemplation upon her masters face, Eerika spoke again.

"What has you so concerned, O'Smaug the magnificent, that you would play off my riddle so quickly?" Eerika stilled and bowed her head before her master as she knew she has just spoken out of turn.

It had been over half a century since she last had to converse with the dragon and her manners and etiquette seemed to have all but vanished over their years spent slumbering. Bracing herself for the reprimanding and punishment she knew would follow, her eyes stayed fixed on the gold covered floor, to afraid to lift her gaze.

Smaug opened one fiery eye at the girl annoyed that she had asked a question so freely. He pondered for a few seconds on his next actions, wondering whether or not to confide in her or to deal her a burning punishment. He inhaled deeply, choosing the former "I had a dream, one that has disturbed me."

Eerika stayed with her head bowed to ensure her face did not give her away. A smile threatened to break on her face, she knew the dream he spoke of for she had dreamt it too. The magic that flowed through and around her body allowed her to enter others dreams either merely to observe or to have a profound effect upon.

"A warrior, altogether insignificant in size with a bitter sword and great courage, figured most unpleasantly" Smaug spoke, his open eye fixed on Eerika "I believe Oakenshield will make an attempt on this mountain and my life."

The girls heart fluttered in her chest as images of a young raven haired prince came flooding into her mind. Trying to remain as composed as possible, Eerika raised her head to look at Smaug in the eyes. "Surely you do not believe someone would be so stupid to enter this mountain, O'Smaug the tyrannical" The last word was spoken with a bit more venom than she had intended. Eerika quickly bowed her head further down.

Either Smaug did not notice or he chose to ignore it as he once again closed his eye. "I do not, though I do believe that dwarves are...selfish creatures...Drawn to gold like flies to rotting flesh. I have no need to fear..." He growled menacingly. "If they do come to the mountain...I shall roast them and feed on their bones as I did with their kin before them"

Eerika paled as Smaug's words as the screams of dwarves, young and old, filler her mind and terror filling her eyes. "Of course Master", she drew a breath, " No creature would dare question your rule under the mountain". Eerika spoke the words softly and submissively.

Smaug smiled keeping his eyes closed, "You flatter me Pet.. go on... explore my halls you have earned a little freedom today." Smaug did not stir again and Eerika did not need to be told twice.

Slowly turning and as quietly as possible she moved up the treasury stairs and into one of the halls. Once she was certain that she was far enough, she pressed her back against the carved stone and let out an exasperated sigh. Sliding down to the ground, she brought her knees to her chest and spoke the long foretold prophecy.

"The lord of silver fountains,

The king of carved stone,

The king beneath the mountain,

Shall come into his own.

And the bells shall ring in gladness,

At the mountain kings return,

But all shall fail in sadness,

And the lake will shine and burn."

Eerika cried the last words as she knew the events of the future would not come to pass without death.

Crossing her arms over her knees and tucking her head, she let her tears fall in relief that the reign of the beast, Smaug the dragon, her master would soon be over.

A/N: Anything you recognize is not mine.

Smaug's dream was taken directly from The Hobbit "Inside Information". The Lord Of Silver Fountains poem I quoted from the movie.

Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter, reviews and constructive criticism are most welcome.

A/N 2: I have updated this chapter on the 8/3/2015 - I wasn't happy with how the original had turned out so I added a section. The dates used are not exact they are an estimate based on information from Online, the book and the movies.